Global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker Willis Group has named Michael Harden as the new CEO of Willis Re Bermuda, effective from 1 January 2014.

Currently serving as chairman of Willis Re Australia, Harden has experience in property and casualty reinsurance, as well as specialty accounts. In the new role, he will work with the team to expand the business on the island.

Willis Re global chief executive officer John Cavanagh said, "Given Bermuda’s special place within the global reinsurance network, it is crucial for Willis Re to constantly invest in enhancing our client offering there.

"Michael has been key in building our Australian operation into one of our most preeminent reinsurance franchises, and so will play a crucial role in driving the development of our Bermuda team."

Having joined Willis Re in London in 1976, Harden worked in various roles and as a senior marine London Market excess of loss broker, before leaving the company and moving to Australia in 1985.

He re-joined as a director at Willis Re Australia in 1991, and later became the CEO in 2007 and chairman earlier this year.

Willis Group has a workforce of over 17,000 people across more than 400 offices and serves the risk management and risk transfer requirements of a diverse, global client base globally.